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Bracket and Sign

1635 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Until the 19th century, street signs acted as indicators of the trade being carried out or the goods marketed within the premises. If used to identify the owner of the property, the motif could be taken from the crest or coat of arms of the family.On this example, the initials underneath a coronet probably signify a noble family. By the seventeenth century signs were being made in wrought iron, which was durable, decorative and could be brightly painted. Signs were supported by brackets that were generally attached to the wall of the building.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Sign
  • Sign
  • Sign
Materials and techniques
Iron, wrought
Brief description
Bracket and Sign, wrought iron, German, dated 1635
Physical description
Sign and bracket, wrought iron. The bracket formed of a tall vertical bar from which extends mid way a horizontal bar braced with an angled bar, each with openwork scrolling, foliage and 'tulip' motif. The horizontal bar terminates in an open 'tulip' motif with scrolling. At the top of the vertical bar is an angled bar which meets the horizontal bar towards the end. This second angled bar also with scrolling, foliage and 'tulip' motif. The sign hangs from three hooks attached to the horizontal bar. The sign comprises a rectangular form with a shaped scrolled border. Within the frame is a coronet supported by lions, above the initials 'G' and 'R' and the date 1635.
Dimensions
  • Of bracket length: 9ft 8 inft
  • Of sign height: 2 ft 8 inft
Summary
Until the 19th century, street signs acted as indicators of the trade being carried out or the goods marketed within the premises. If used to identify the owner of the property, the motif could be taken from the crest or coat of arms of the family.On this example, the initials underneath a coronet probably signify a noble family. By the seventeenth century signs were being made in wrought iron, which was durable, decorative and could be brightly painted. Signs were supported by brackets that were generally attached to the wall of the building.
Collection
Accession number
1211-1872

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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